What is the correct steering wheel hand position when driving an automobile? I was taught to drive with my hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock position. More recently, however, the idea of driving at 9 and 3 and even 8 and 4 is being espoused. There is actually an ongoing debate with respect to this question.

This article addresses the two main hand positions used during driving. The next two issues of The Reconstructor will address the possible shift away from the traditional 10 and 2 o’clock position by providing answers to the questions of "by whom" and "why" each of the driving methods are advocated.

For this discussion, we will assume that the automobile is a non-commercial vehicle.

10 and 2 The traditional 10 and 2 driver steers by what is known as the ‘hand over hand’ method. For example, if the driver wants to turn right, the left hand (10 o’clock position) will be moved so the steering wheel rotates right. Next the driver will release and cross the right hand over the left hand and grasp the steering wheel. This cycle will continue until the desired steering input is accomplished. Throughout the steering maneuver, the driver adjusts the hands for desired input and comfort. Following the maneuver, the driver repositions the hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions.

In the 9 and 3 (8 and 4) method the driver steers by what is known as the ‘shuffle steering’ method. The driver will pull the hand in the direction of desired steering while the other hand allows the steering wheel to slide through it. Following the steering maneuver, the hands are returned to the pre-steering wheel input position. For example, if the driver wants to turn right, the right hand (3 or 4 o’clock position) will be pulled downward so the steering wheel rotates right. Simultaneously, the driver will let the wheel slide through the left hand allowing the left hand to remain in its original position (9 or 10 o’clock). This cycle will continue until the desired steering input is accomplished. Following the maneuver, the driver repositions the hands at the 9 and 3 or the 10 and 4 o’clock positions. As one can imagine, this method resembles a ‘shuffle’ of the hands.

The second installment of this three part series will address the question of ‘by whom’ each of the driving methods is espoused.